Family Fun at Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio

I received a complimentary stay at Castaway Bay in exchange for promoting the property. All opinions expressed are my own.

Last week, as I made a mental note of packing plenty of snacks and swim diapers, I read something that struck a chord. It was from The Huffington Post and was an article highlighting things empty nesters want parents of little kids to know. One of the nuggets of wisdom said: “When they are little you feel they will be that way forever! Therefore, take as many family vacations together as possible. They make lasting memories of real quality time spent together. Once they go to college and have their own responsibilities, it just gets more complicated.”

I love traveling. But with kids? It’s tough and not always affordable. So instead of boarding a plane and spending a ton of money, we headed south 2½ hours to Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio, for a little night away. And that empty nester was right — we made amazing memories.

Our adventure started out in our van packed with plenty of snacks, DVDs and blankies. We had a smooth ride down with clear roads and sun shining.

Once we arrived, we checked in and wasted very little time in our room before heading to the water park.

The beautiful entry at Castaway Bay sets the tropical getaway vibe

Since it had been months since we had gone swimming, it was perfect to just hang out in the toddler pool area so the girls could adjust to the water and I could dip baby boy’s toes in.

In no time though, the girls were ready to check out the wave pool and the Lookout Lagoon Family Funhouse. They absolutely loved playing in the wave pool!

Unfortunately both of my girls were too little to go on the water slides {kids must be 40″}, but that didn’t stop this mama 😉 SO FUN!

Other highlights of the resort included a hot tub and outdoor pool, a GIANT arcade and various restaurants for snacks, ice cream, coffee and more.

Starbucks coffee! It’s like a sign from heaven after a day at the water park.

Castaway Bay also offers lots of other kid-friendly activities including arts & crafts, a PEANUTS™ Meet and Greet, karaoke, a dance party, family movies, story time with Snoopy, and more. Plenty to do!

We had such a wonderful time making memories. I was ecstatic that Miles {6 months old} loved the pool, and I will have mental images of my toddler, Karina, laughing at the fountains, and my preschooler, Kinley, being adorable in the wave pool for years to come. It was so wonderful to spend time as a family distraction-free.

Since the resort is affiliated with Cedar Point, I was also able to get a sneak peek at the fun things to come in the spring, including the Rougarou roller coaster, which looks awesome, and some sweet updates coming to Hotel Breakers, CP’s on site hotel along Lake Erie. Very exciting stuff!

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR VISITING

~ If you take the Ohio Turnpike to get there, bring cash to pay the toll. It was $3.25 each way for us traveling from Michigan.

~ Although there are snacks available for purchase, bring snacks if your children eat a lot like mine! OK, and maybe a few beers if you need to unwind after the water park 😉 There is a microwave and a mini fridge in the room. Also, note: Mango Mike’s Breakfast Buffet doesn’t open until 8 a.m., so bring something for a light breakfast if your kids are early risers that need to eat right away.

~ If your child has their own life jacket, bring it. They are required to wear them at the wave pool. {They have them on site if you need one.}

~ No need to bring towels — they are available for use on site.

~ Pack flip-flops and a bathing suit cover.

~ Bring your camera. There are so many great photo opportunities available on the property. Find Snoopy for a celebrity shot! {I used a zippered pillow case cover for my phone and camera while at the water park.}

~ Explore Lake Erie! I never knew this was such a fabulous family destination. I can’t wait to go back and explore more as my kids grow. Learn more by watching this video: